Heating apparatus for heating a defined space

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to a heating apparatus for heating a defined space which generally comprises at least one heat source, and an enclosure for surrounding both the heat source and a user. The invention provides for a wide variety of heat sources which are suitable for use herewith. The invention also provides for a wide variety of materials which can be used to form the enclosure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/376,428, which was filed on Aug. 24, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a heating apparatus. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a heating apparatus for personal use. Even more particularly, the present invention pertains to a heating apparatus for personal use for heating a defined space.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices exist in the prior art for heating individuals in a defined space. These apparatuses are used in a variety of applications, like outdoor use, such as for outdoorsmen or sports spectators. Additionally, during rough economic times, when home heating costs are high, there is a need to heat oneself at a minimum cost. This can be accomplished by heating only the area immediately around oneself rather than heating an entire building.

Heating apparatuses for personal use for heating a defined space are well-known in the art, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,721 to Holly. The heating apparatus disclosed by Holly includes a personal heating system having a heat source, an envelope surrounding the user, and hoops for providing structure to the envelope. This heating apparatus is intended for use outdoors such as by an outdoorsman or a sports spectator. The heat source is fuel-based, and the envelope comprises a flexible material.

In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,655 to Urso discloses a heating system which includes one or more users enclosing both themselves and a fuel-based heater using a light foil-type blanket. The blanket comprises a reflective aluminum foil for reflecting heat energy toward the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,243 to Campf discloses an outdoor heating system which is a portable, weather-resistant heating pad for use outdoors, such as for use by spectators at a sporting event. The heating system includes an enclosure about the heating elements formed from a disposable plastic material or a reusable material, such as nylon.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0277804 to Kelly discloses a heater for personal use in a defined space in which the heat emitted from the heat source is reflected from the covering back to the user.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0077208 to Vardanega discloses a warming blanket which includes a pair of sheets sealed along their common edges and an inlet through which heated air is blown by a heater. The sheets can be coated with a polyethylene film. The heater is powered by alternating electrical current.

The heating apparatuses described above are limited both in the type of fuel sources which can be used, as well as the types of enclosure materials. Therefore, the prior art is limited in its versatility and efficiency.

Thus, there remains a need for a heating apparatus for personal use for heating a defined space which can be used with a variety of fuel sources and types of enclosure materials.

The present invention, as is detailed hereinbelow, seeks to improve upon the existing heating apparatuses by providing a heating apparatus which can be used with a wide variety of fuel sources, can be used with a number of different configurations and options, and can be used with a number of different enclosure materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a heating apparatus for heating a defined space which generally comprises:

-   -   (a) at least one heat source; and     -   (b) an enclosure for surrounding both the at least one heat         source and a user, the enclosure forming a defined space.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention hereof;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heating apparatus showing two heat sources; and

FIG. 3 is a view of the heating apparatus showing a variety of optional features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the present invention, and as shown generally in FIG. 1, there is provided a heating apparatus 10 which generally comprises: (a) at least one heat source 12; and (b) an enclosure 14 for surrounding both the at least one heat source 12 and a user U, the enclosure 14 defining a defined space 16.

The enclosure 14 is formed from a material which can trap heat emitted from the heat source 12 within the defined space 16. Preferably, the enclosure 14 is also formed from a material which reflects heat to the user. The enclosure 14 surrounds the body of the user U, either including or excluding the head of the user U. Any suitable type of material which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be used.

Examples can include polymeric materials like microwavable plastic (capable of withstanding heats up to 400° F.), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, vinyl, metalized polyethylene terephthalate (MPET) (which is commonly referred to as a “space blanket”), or “bubble wrap”; any suitable plant-based materials (e.g., paper products) capable of withstanding elevated levels of heat; textiles containing fiberglass; poly(methyl methacrylate) (or PMMA, commonly sold under the trademark Plexiglas®); alkali-aluminosilicate thin sheet glass (such as the type sold under the trademark Gorilla® Glass); an inflatable plastic covering; polystyrene foam (such as the type sold under the trademark Styrofoam®); elastomeric materials like vulcanized rubber; polystyrene foam coated with a film of magnesium; magnesium film; aluminized plastics; aluminum film; gold plated plastic; linoleum; wood; a metal material like aluminum; animal-based products like leather, fish skins, shrimp skins/exoskeletons; calcium-based materials (e.g., egg shells); composite materials formed from egg lining or feathers; gelatin (similar to the gelatin lining used for encapsulating pills); corn husks; nut shells (e.g., almond shells); plastic bottles; aluminum cans; brick glass; hollow reeds; bamboo; the outer lining of onions or garlic; potassium and sodium; and so on.

The enclosure 14 material can also include insulation, such as popcorn, puffed grains (e.g., “rice cake” materials), dehydrated citrus (e.g., lemons, limes, grapefruit), encapsulated cotton candy, sea shells, spider webs, silk from silkworms, cocoons, insect exoskeletons, bones (especially hollow bones such as from a bird), cotton balls, cat tails, or the like. These materials are preferably preserved using any suitable known preservatives, such as salt.

The enclosure 14 can be constructed using any suitable means which are well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as high-temperature tapes. The enclosure 14 can also be formed from separate sections or panels which can be formed together using suitable means like a tongue-and-groove construction

Further examples of the enclosure 14 material can also include a medium duty welding blanket (capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000° F.), or a thermal felt welding blanket (capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3000° F., and having a working temperature of 1800° F.).

Preferably the enclosure 14 is formed from a material which can be easily cleaned by a cleaning agent like distilled vinegar.

The heating apparatus 10 further includes the at least one heat source 12. As shown in FIG. 2, when more than one heat source 12 is provided, the first heat source 12A and the second heat source 12B can be positioned in a facing arrangement so that the user U can position him or herself between the first and second heat sources, 12A and 12B. When three or more heat sources are provided, the same principle can be applied, and the heat sources can be arranged to encompass the user U for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Any suitable type of heat source which is well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art can be used. Suitable heat sources can include candles; electric space heaters (e.g., ranging in power from 7 Watts to 1000 Watts); fuel-based space heaters; dry chemicals (such as the type used for hand warmers); lamps (either electric or fuel (e.g., olive oil lamp)); solar (such as using solar mirrors); friction; geothermal heat sources; ducting connected to a heating duct; placing of heated items within the defined space 16 (e.g., rocks, water, biomass, etc.); a fire fueled by any suitable combustible or flammable fuel or objects, including, but not limited to, wood, kerosene, tinder, corn cobs, grains, nuts, coconuts, mango seeds, charcoal, coal, gel-based fuels like Sterno®, olives, shea butter, pork rinds, soybeans, soybean oil, volatile oils extracted from organic goods like fruit, grains, herbs, etc.; or other suitable fuels; and so forth.

Also, an incinerator or other similar type of device can be used to convert waste into heat which can be used as the heat source 12. Any suitable type of fuel can be used with the incinerator, including, but not limited to, animal carcasses. The animal carcasses can be obtained as road kill, beached marine and aquatic animals, any carcasses resulting from natural disasters or other acts of God, the purposeful hunting of invasive species (e.g., feral pigs), and so forth.

When the heat source 12 is an electric space heater, it can be supplied with electricity from any suitable source which is well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Possible sources of electricity can include (or be derived from via a generator), but are not limited to, direct current, alternating current, batteries, hydro-electric source, hydrogen power, electro-mechanical power (such as that comprising a magnet and a copper coil, and being driven by any suitable type of relative motion), static electricity, hybrid solar, a straight line generator powered by lunar energy (e.g., tidal waves), wind power, seismic activity, floods (such as flood water being used to drive a water turbine), a hand-crank generator, and harnessing the motion of pets into electricity via a generator (also known as “pet power”), and so forth.

In an alternative embodiment, the enclosure 14 can house an inner enclosure (not shown). The inner enclosure can be used to house the heat source 12, which is particularly useful when the heat source 12 gives off a harmful byproduct, such as exhaust or fumes. The heat generated by the heat source 12 then migrates or transfers through the inner enclosure and to the user U. According to this embodiment, appropriate sensors can be provided to ensure safety, such as oxygen or carbon monoxide sensors. Appropriate exhaust vents can also be provided for the enclosure 14 and/or the inner enclosure.

Optionally, the enclosure 14 can comprise at least one vent 18 to vent air from the defined space 16. The vent 18 can comprise any suitable type of vent which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The vent 18 can be closable (e.g., such as by a Velcro® strap, a zipper, etc.). The vent 18 can also be of the type such as that found on the side of a mattress. Furthermore, the vent 18 can comprise a plurality of perforations in the enclosure 14.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can comprise a carbon monoxide detector 20 positioned within the defined space 16 as a safety precaution when the heat source 12 is of the type which may potentially emit dangerous combustion gases.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can comprise at least one light 22 positioned within the defined space 16 to provide light to the user U, such as when the enclosure 14 is formed from a non-transparent material. When provided, the light 22 can comprise any suitable type of light which is well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art, for example, incandescent, compact fluorescent, Xenon, LED, and so forth.

Optionally, when the enclosure 14 surrounds the head of the user U, a breathing apparatus 24 can be provided to allow the user U to either breathe air exterior to the heating apparatus 10, or breathe air which has been filtered. The breathing apparatus 24 can comprise a snorkel or other suitable type of apparatus which is connected to the exterior of the heating apparatus 10. When a snorkel is provided, it can be heated so as to avoid the collection of condensation within the snorkel. The breathing apparatus 24 can also comprise a respirator or other suitable air-filtering device to ensure that the air is free from combustion products.

Optionally, when the enclosure 14 comprises a material which is flexible, flaccid, or unable to stand up on its own, a support structure 26 can be provided. The support structure 26 can comprise chicken wire, a frame structure, or the like. Once the temperature within the defined space 16 is sufficiently raised, it is possible that the support structure 26 might no longer be needed since the hot air will expand and rise to expand the enclosure 14. Likewise, once the heating apparatus 10 is no longer needed, the heat source 12 can be turned off and the enclosure 14 (when not a rigid material) can collapse and be ready for storage.

Optionally, the enclosure 14 can also comprise a collapsible rigid structure which can be formed from a plastic material. The collapsible rigid structure can collapse in a designed manner, such as an accordion.

Optionally, the enclosure 14 can comprise an umbrella-like support structure 26 which can be quickly and easily expanded or deployable for use.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can comprise a thermometer 28 which is positioned within the defined space 16 to inform the user U of the temperature. Depending upon the heat source 12, the thermometer 28 can be operably connected to the heat source 12 to turn the heat source 12 on or off to maintain a desired pre-set temperature within the defined space 16. For instance, the pre-set temperature is preferably in the range of 72°-90° F. When provided, the thermometer 28 can be coupled with an alarm which activates when the temperature within the defined space 16 goes outside the boundary of the pre-set temperature range. The alarm can be operably coupled with the heat source 12 to either turn the heat source 12 on or off to bring the temperature back within the pre-set range.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include a dehumidifier 30 to control the humidity within the defined space 16.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include a fan 32 for circulating and/or venting the air within the defined space 16.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include means for muffling 34 the heat source 12.

Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include an audio system with earphones or earplugs.

It is to be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the heating apparatus can be provided in any suitable size or dimension, and can also be used by more than one user if desired.

It is also to be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the heating apparatus 10 can have suitable use for other applications, such as providing therapeutic treatments, for housing and raising tropical plants, for drying clothing, for cooking food, for aromatherapy, etc.

It is also to be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the heat source 12 can be replaced with a cooling source, such as a portable air conditioning unit or ductwork connected to cooled air. Thus, the heating apparatus 10 is also capable of providing its benefits during hot weather as well.

The term “defined space” as used herein describes an enclosed area under the enclosure, including the air space. The defined space may be a confined space, semi-confined, partially confined, or fractionally confined.

According to the invention described above, a heating apparatus is provided which can be compact and inexpensive to operate, yet provides a heated and comfortable environment to the user.

As is apparent from the preceding, the present invention provides a heating apparatus for personal use for heating a defined space. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heating apparatus for heating a defined space which generally comprises: (a) at least one heat source; and (b) an enclosure for surrounding both the heat source and a user, the enclosure enclosing the defined space, and the user being positioned completely within the defined space.
 2. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises an umbrella-like support structure.
 3. The heating apparatus of claim 1 including a second inner enclosure positioned within the enclosure, the second inner enclosure provided for enclosing the heat source.
 4. The heating apparatus of claim 1 including an exhaust for exhausting air from the defined space.
 5. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat source includes an electric space heater.
 6. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat source includes a combustible fuel.
 7. The heating apparatus of claim 6 wherein the combustible fuel is selected from the group consisting of an oil lamp and a candle.
 8. The heating apparatus of claim 6 wherein the combustible fuel is selected from the group consisting of coal and charcoal.
 9. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat source is solar.
 10. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises a polymeric material.
 11. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises a plant-based material.
 12. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises an elastomeric material.
 13. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises a welding blanket.
 14. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises a metal material.
 15. The heating apparatus of claim 14 wherein the enclosure comprises aluminum.
 16. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises an animal-based material.
 17. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heat source includes an electric space heater.
 18. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the enclosure comprises a polymeric material.
 19. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heat source includes a combustible fuel.
 20. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heat source is selected from the group consisting of coal and charcoal. 